Jul 10
2
Osprey Argon 85 Men’s Pack
Osprey Argon 85 Hiking Backpack
By Karenna Awtry
Osprey’s heavy-duty Argon 85 men’s pack comes with the BioForm hip belt that has heat-moldable laminated foam and internal seams. Getting a perfect fit is within your reach.
Besides a custom-fitted hip belt, the Argon 85 hiking backpack offers a plethora of features for serious hikers who appreciate all the bells and whistles of a deluxe pack. Among them:
• ventilating, foam-padded back panel
• removable hydration sleeve that converts to a hydration pack for day hiking (reservoir sold separately)
• top lid has one compartment with a waterproof zipper and lash-on points and also converts to a lumbar pack with
Osprey Argon 85 Hiking Backpack
AirScape lumbar pad
• optimal fit and load transfer, featuring a pretensioned lift and load-lifter straps
• interchangeable, easily adjustable shoulder straps
• top and side access to the main compartment plus an externally accessible (and roomy) sleeping bag pocket
• plenty of smaller external pockets for easy access of small items
• an all-around compression system to keep the bag tight as your load decreases
• three sizes: M, L and XL
How does the Argon 85 perform in the field? A reviewer from Montana carried 40 pounds of gear on an 8-mile uphill trek that required a keen attention to footing. “Make sure to properly balance your pack contents as this helps with fitting the straps correctly,” he reports. “After getting the pack up and adjusting to a comfort fit with the load straps I never moved the buckles again. … It seemed that the more I put into the pack the better it felt. Most of the time it felt as though it was not there. Do make sure to strap everything down as you do not want to throw off any balance.”
This reviewer also noted that most of his hike was in heavy rain. Not a problem for the Argon 85. Despite carrying it without a rain cover, none of his gear was wet. His final note: “If the purpose of the design is to have a pack for any day, load, or weather without feeling a thing Osprey did just that” with the Argon 85.
On shorter hikes with 15-20 lbs. of gear, the Argon 85’s compression features work great to shrink down the backpack while still providing ample room for gear. Though some users prefer it when hauling serious gear, others say it’s comfortable and durable with a wider load range. All agree that proper fit and customization (including swapping hip belts and shoulder harnesses for the best fit) are tantamount to making the most of this hiking backpack.
Little things can also make a difference. Pros include the removable fanny pack and the hydration pouch. The sleeping bag straps come off the outside of the pack and attach to the removable bladder sleeve, creating a day camelback. It’s durable and water-resistant (though Osprey recommends water-proofing just to be sure), and features plenty of pockets for external storage.
Users noted that the side mesh pockets could stand to have a little more room, and the back zippers would be better if they opened the entire compartment for access. In addition, those who opted not to custom fit their packs soon learned from their mistake and advised taking the time to make sure everything is suited to your body. It’s also good to accept that, as an extended-trip pack, it’s going to weigh up to 7 pounds on its own. That said, the Argon 85 gets kudos for comfort and performance as a high-load backpack.
See more of the Osprey Argon 80’s features and find out whether it suits your needs…
